MEP Angered at Spanish Challenge over Gibraltar Airport

Brussels, 3 May 2006 -- Yesterday in the European Parliament's Transport Committee, an amendment was adopted which saw Gibraltar excluded from new aviation security rules. This exclusion is another in a long list which the Spanish have sought to gain for no reason apart from making a petty political point, resulting in poorer standards for the people of Gibraltar.

Sir Robert Atkins MEP, Conservative Member of the Transport Committee in the European Parliament said today:

"Again, the people of Gibraltar have been sold short on a piece of EU legislation which would have seen an improvement in security at their airport. After a heated debate with a Spanish Socialist Member, I was fortunate enough to gain support to stop an even stronger amendment being adopted which would have given Spain more say on the airport's future. However, I am in no doubt that the amendment will be resubmitted for the whole Parliament to decide upon in Strasbourg and I will not hold back in having the same debate again to stop this ridiculous Spanish political game over a loyal colony of the United Kingdom."